America Has a Human Trafficking Problem and Homeless Youths Are the Most Vulnerable | Atlanta Black StarPortraits of 22 different women lined the walls of Atlanta’s Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport in June. The temporary photography installation featured a diverse group of women, holding onto a symbol of who they are and who they aspire to be.

One grasped a molecular model to represent her career in science, while another was draped in a cap and gown, illustrating the completion of her education.

Beside each portrait was a plaque that shared a story of that individual’s life. All featured a central theme: They were all survivors of sexual exploitation.

The exhibit is part of the traveling “More Than a Survivor” campaign, which is meant to depict survivors of sexual assault as more than just victims, but as scholars, scientist, photographers and more. But this isn’t the first attempt by Hartsfield-Jackson to bring awareness to human trafficking through art. In 2015, the airport revealed the exhibit “Freedom Expression ATL,” which was meant to raise awareness about the issue.

GIRLS EDUCATIONAL & MENTORING SERVICES (GEMS) | NEW YORK

Girls Educational & Mentoring Services (GEMS) is the only organization in New York State specifically designed to serve girls and young women who have experienced commercial sexual exploitation and domestic trafficking. GEMS was founded in 1998 by Rachel Lloyd, a young woman who had been sexually exploited as a teenager. GEMS has helped hundreds of young women and girls, ages 12–24, who have experienced commercial sexual exploitation and domestic trafficking to exit the commercial sex industry and to develop to their full potential. GEMS provides young women with empathetic, consistent support and viable opportunities for positive change. (Website).